In ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’, Galadriel’s absence during the Last Alliance battle raises intriguing questions. While the films depict Elrond, Isildur, and Elendil confronting Sauron, Tolkien’s texts leave her involvement ambiguous. It’s suggested she may have commanded troops but not fought directly. As ‘The Rings of Power’ prepares for its third season, there’s anticipation for how Galadriel’s complex relationship with Sauron will unfold, possibly affecting her role in the upcoming adaptation of this pivotal conflict.
In the epic saga of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’, we witness the legendary battle of the Last Alliance where Elrond (Hugo Weaving), Elendil (Peter McKenzie), and his son Isildur (Harry Sinclair) confront the dark forces of Sauron. This monumental event is introduced in the film’s prologue, narrated by Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), who provides a voiceover to explain the unfolding chaos, yet her presence is notably absent during this fierce conflict.
Galadriel, portrayed as a fierce warrior in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ by Morfydd Clark, seems to have a personal vendetta against Sauron, which raises questions about her absence in such a pivotal battle. The reasons behind her non-participation in this crucial fight remain enigmatic.
Absence of Galadriel in Tolkien’s Lore
Interestingly, the absence of Galadriel from the battlefield is a detail that emerges solely from the film adaptations. Tolkien’s writings do not explicitly state whether she fought in the Last Alliance or not, leaving open the possibility that she could have been a silent presence in the battle. As a commander under Gil-galad (Ben Walker), it seems plausible that she might have led a contingent of elven warriors during the conflict.
It’s conceivable that Galadriel could have sustained injuries or retreated with her troops during the battle, which would account for her absence in ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’. The film depicts only the climactic moments of a siege that spans seven grueling years.
The battle at the slopes of Mount Doom was preceded by an arduous journey from Rivendell to Mordor, followed by a lengthy siege of Sauron’s fortress, resulting in heavy casualties for both sides.
Galadriel’s Potential Role in the Last Alliance
Given that Tolkien does not delve into Galadriel’s role during the Last Alliance, we can infer that she may have participated but did not hold a prominent position. The spotlight in this struggle against Sauron primarily shines on figures like Elrond, Isildur, Elendil, and Gil-galad, who engage directly with Sauron, ultimately weakening him enough for Isildur to claim victory. Additionally, Isildur’s brother Anárion, who plays a critical role in the siege of Barad-dûr, has yet to be introduced in the series but was hinted at in ‘The Rings of Power’.
As the men and elves prepare to unite against Sauron, we can envision Galadriel rallying her forces as the commander of the northern troops in Rivendell. The subsequent march towards Mordor would lead to an initial clash at the Dead Marshes, setting the stage for the prolonged siege of Sauron’s fortress.
When the series eventually adapts this battle in its concluding season, Galadriel may indeed be present, albeit without a central role. It’s possible that she could be injured during the prolonged conflict, necessitating her return to Rivendell to recuperate.
Moreover, given her complex history with Sauron, Galadriel might opt to safeguard the rear flank instead of engaging in frontline combat. Gil-galad’s cautionary words in ‘The Rings of Power’ highlight her vulnerability to Sauron’s deceit:
“You must not confront him again. For it is said that when a traitor once gains someone’s trust, he gains the ability to shape that person’s thoughts… You have been affected by this before.”
Even though Galadriel confronted Sauron in the second season finale, Gil-galad’s concerns might lead her to hold back, ensuring that the mission against Sauron remains uncompromised. However, it seems unlikely that she would remain completely uninvolved, given her significance and power in the narrative.
As preparations continue for ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ Season 3, the series is set to span a total of five seasons, with plans to culminate the saga with the monumental battle of the Last Alliance.